Dortmund's Marco Reus to bid farewell in Champions League final

After an illustrious 12-year tenure adorned with over 400 appearances for Borussia Dortmund, midfield Marco Reus is poised to bid adieu on the grandest stage of European football.

As Dortmund brace for the UEFA Champions League final showdown against Real Madrid at Wembley on June 1, Reus reflects on his journey, memories, and the monumental clash ahead.

In an interview with UEFA.com, the 34-year-old delves into the significance of his departure from the club he's called home for over a decade.

"Dortmund means everything to me," Reus professes. "Playing for a club for 12 years, it has to mean something. You don't stay just because of the name or the money. You need to feel comfortable, have a good environment and have great team-mates."

Reus reminisces fondly about his favourite Champions League moments, particularly highlighting the exhilarating semi-final victory over Paris Saint-Germain. "Achieving that takes a lot of pressure off," he recalls. "It's indescribable to be in the final, as it's the pinnacle of club football."

Returning to Wembley stirs mixed emotions for Reus, who was part of Dortmund's 2013 final defeat to Bayern Munich.

However, he stresses that this occasion isn't about seeking revenge but embracing the opportunity for triumph. "Now the objective is to win the trophy," Reus asserts, underlining the gravity of the impending clash.

Assessing the formidable challenge posed by Real Madrid, Reus acknowledges the calibre of their opponent while emphasizing Dortmund's readiness and belief. "With time, you become more experienced," he reflects.

"But it's a one-off game and anything is possible â- we must believe, we will believe, and we will have tremendous support behind us for this final."

As he prepares to bid farewell, Reus describes the prospect of ending his Dortmund career with a Champions League triumph as "wonderful."

From his debut final at Wembley in 2013 to the curtain call in 2024, Reus' journey encapsulates the essence of dedication, passion, and the pursuit of glory.

In less than a week, the footballing world will witness the culmination of an era as Marco Reus dons the yellow and black for the final time, aiming to etch his name in Dortmund folklore with a triumphant farewell at Wembley.

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